Gold Coast set to boost backpacking numbers

Tour operators are hoping to raise the profile of the Australian Gold Coast as a travel destination by emphasising its appeal for student travel, backpacking and young adventurers.

The Gold Coast Adventure Travel Group met on January 16th to discuss ways to increase its popularity among tourists once again, reports Queensland's ABC news.

Group president, Helen Redhead, noted that there is an increasing mindset among backpacking travelers and those embarking on gap year travel that there is little to do.

She explained that many coming to the Gold Coast are "not really sure what there is to do apart from the beach and the theme parks".

However, she is quick to add that "there's a lot more activities in Surfers Paradise itself, as well as outside of Surfers Paradise".

However, although the region is competing with other destinations such as Cairns and Whitsundays for the younger traveler in terms of hostels and youth hostels, few places compete in terms of waves in what has been daubed 'Surfers Paradise'.

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